STUDENTS are hoping to see their career prospects blossom thanks to the help of specialists in education, training and care.
More than 65 organisations specialising in learning and employment opportunities for young people were invited to attend the annual Passport to the Future event designed for students with special needs.
Hosted by The Dales School, at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, the event was organised by specialist careers advisor Bev Dawson and assistant head Anne Baker and attracted dozens of students, families, carers and professionals from all over the North-East, Northumberland, Cumbria and East and North Yorkshire.
Head teacher at The Dales School Hanne Barton said: “We have been running our Passport to the Future day for over ten years now to help young people with special needs and their families find the best possible routes into further education and career opportunities when they leave school.
“I don’t think there is any other event quite like this where parents and carers can come and find all of the information they need under the one roof.
“We have families that come here year after year to speak to people from all of the different organisations to increase their knowledge on what is available to make sure that they have the greatest chance of getting their right place for their children in the future.”
Organisations taking part in the event included Hambleton District Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Mencap, Home from Home Care, Riding For the Disabled, St Anne’s Community Services, The Avalon Group, Jennyruth Workshops, Keyring Network, Wear Valley Road Respite Care Centre, Just the Job Environmental Services, Priory Education Services, Askham Bryan College, United Response, Northdale Horticulture, Linkage Community Trust, Middlesbrough College, Henshaws College, Darlington College, Yatton House Society, Chopsticks, Dilston College, Harrogate College and NYCC’s Supported Employment.
Students and their families were also able to view all the facilities available at The Dales School, which offers education up to the age of 19.
Shirley Southcott, of Richmond, whose son Christopher, 16, is a pupil at The Dales School, said: “Christopher has settled in really well.
“Being here enables us to talk to professionals about his options for the future and to talk to other parents who have been through the same kind of experiences.”
Chair of governors of The Dales School Paul Chubb added: “I am delighted that The Dales School has recently received an Investor in Careers national award for the work that it does in helping to support young people into jobs and further education.
“Its an absolute joy to see so many groups here today giving up their time to offer advice on further education, training and development, employment, leisure opportunities as well as community and voluntary work.”